State unveils small business license plate

The state has unveiled a specialty license plate intended to better promote small businesses.

"We envision the plates being mini billboards promoting small business on vehicles throughout the state," said Cathy Zion, chair of the Commission on Small Business Advocacy and a small business owner. The group was one of the sponsors of a statewide design competition in partnership with Partners for Entrepreneurial Advancement in Kentucky, a nonprofit supporting small businesses.

The winning design was by Barry Arnold, lead designer for Gerald Printing. The company has operations in Bowling Green and Russellville and employs 35, according to a news release.

"We are thrilled and honored to have our design selected," said Joe Davis, president of Gerald Printing, in a statement. "This is a great way to start off 2011, as we prepare to celebrate our 40th year in business." Before the plates can go into production, there must be 900 applications with a $25 payment each. For an application, visit Peakky.org/licenseplate.aspx.